Match report

After the end of our League Season tonight was a great opportunity to say goodbye to the Vetch Field with a win in the FAW Invitation Cup against relegated Wrexham. It was also the chance to continue the promotion celebrations so ridiculously cut short by the Greater Manchester Police on Saturday.

Swans were forced into a couple of changes with Garry Monk and Kevin McLeod both sidelined with groin strains. Kevin Austin moved across to partner Izzy in the centre of defence and Ijah Anderson got a rare start. Sam Ricketts was rested with Alan Tate coming in ahead of Andy Gurney.

Side- Gueret, Tate, Iriekpen, Austin, Anderson, Britton, O’Leary, Martinez, Forbes, Trundle, Connor. Subs Murphy, Gurney, Robinson, Bond, Thorpe.

Swans had the games first chance after just 2 minutes when a mix up in the Wrexham defence gave Lee Trundle an opportunity, but his audacious chip from 30 yards was well wide.

After the initial scare Wrexham settled quickly and dominated the early stages. Swans players looked lethargic and many looked to have their minds elsewhere. Ugarte and Llewellyn were causing problems to the centre of defence and our midfield 3 were outnumbered time and again.

Ugarte had a great opportunity to give Wrexham the lead after virtually walking through the centre of defence but Willy Gueret blocked his effort. Then full back Andy Holt waltzed through several half-hearted challenges before again being denied by Willy’s save. Chris Llewellyn then had a free shot at goal from the edge of the box but he fired over.

Swans did break out of defence on 20 minutes and Leon Britton freed Lee Trundle who seemed to be bought down in the penalty area. However, referee Mr Lawlor who was already having trouble keeping up with play, failed to see any offence.

Swans finally got into first gear and Paul Connor should have done better with a shot from a cross from Adrian Forbes.

Wrexham were causing Swans problems down our right. With Adrian Forbes playing as an out and out striker there was no cover in front of Alan Tate. Thankfully Tate was coping well.

On 38 minutes Izzy Iriekpen had the games and probably season’s easiest chance. A Roberto Martinez corner missed everyone at the near post and Izzy had a free header 5 yards out in the middle of the goal. He somehow managed to barely get anything on the ball with his effort going well wide.

Paul Connor also had a free header from 12 yards out but headed over the bar.

Swans had probably done enough to warrant being level after a very slow start but how neither side had scored seemed amazing with the number of clear chances created by both teams.

Andy Robinson replaced Leon Britton at half-time no doubt in an effort to beef up the midfield. Adrian Forbes also dropped back to right midfield to counter Wrexham’s main supply line.

Paul Connor almost gave Swans the perfect start to the second half with an excellent run and shot that Ben Foster in the Wrexham goal did well to keep out.

On 52 minutes Wrexham looked to have scored when the giant Dennis Lawrence rose above everybody and looped a header over Willy Gueret. With a goal looking certain Ijah Anderson popped up to head the ball off the line.

On the hour a slick Wrexham move seemed to dumbfound the Swans centre of defence and Izzy seemed more like Izzzzzzy as he stood still and watched as Wrexham created a clear opening for Juan Ugarte who tapped in from 8 yards.

Swans pushed Forbes back up front and almost immediately got the equaliser when Andy Robinson fired a right foot shot that was well saved by Foster.

Swans levelled on 65 minutes. Lee Trundle received the ball in the Wrexham box, he twisted and turned and chipped the ball towards Paul Connor. Defender Shaun Pejic, who was only a couple of yards off Trundle, dived in to clear the danger but directed his header past a despairing Foster.

Swans now had the upper hand and were looking the more likely winners. It was no surprise on 72 minutes when a second Swans goal arrived. Again Lee Trundle toyed with his marker. He twisted and turned and unleashed a left foot shot which the defender did well to block. However, Andy Robinson followed up and the ball fell perfectly for him and he unleashed an unstoppable left foot volley.

Wrexham hit back and Willy did well to keep out an effort from Llewellyn. That was to be Wrexham’s last real effort as Swans regained control. With 5 minutes to go Lee Thorpe replaced Paul Connor.

With many fans on the North Bank and West Terrace lining the touchline in the last couple of minutes it was a relief that Mr Lawlor only added 1 minute injury time before the mad dash of the players to the sanctuary of the dressing room.

Kenny Jackett and his players made their last ever appearance in the Vetch Directors Box to receive the cup and receive the plaudits of the fans.

Gueret 7 – Another excellent display but looked as if he could have done more for the goal .
Tate 7 – Not a natural right back but coped admirably.
Iriekpen 6 – Totally asleep for Wrexham goal but not too bad that apart.
Austin 7 – Had to play centre back and left back at times as Anderson went missing.
Anderson 5- Still to prove his worth.

O’Leary 6 – Got better and more involved the further the game went on.
Martinez 7 – Captain’s display. Fought tooth and nail to hold midfield together.
Britton 6 – Did well going forward but struggled defensively as Wrexham gained the upper hand in the early midfield battle.
Forbes 6 – Failed to sign off with a 3rd goal in 3 games.

Connor 7 – Usual battling performance but could have done better with a couple of chances.
Trundle 8 – Not his greatest game but his trickery led to both goals again.

Subs
Robinson 9 – Turned the game. Brilliant anticipation and execution for winning goal.
Thorpe 6 – Late replacement.

So there was one last chance to look around and say goodbye to the old ground that has played such an important part in so many of our lives.

Sadly my last memory was the unedifying sight of the Centre Stand stripped of every seat and the East Stand seats being ripped out one by one. There was also dozens of people on the their hands and knees tearing away at the pitch. God help the unfortunate youngsters with Cup Finals at the Vetch in the coming weeks or their families who will have no seats to sit on.

So the final goodbye to the Vetch with a fitting 5th straight home win and a cup into the bargain.

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